Portable electric hydraulic johnny aid

ABSTRACT

A hoist assembly consisting of a frame with a vertically movable toilet seat and hydraulic cylinder means for raising and lowering the seat under the control of its occupant. The assembly is designed to be positioned over a conventional toilet bowl and is employed for easing infirm persons onto and off the toilet bowl.

' United States Patent [191 Hunter PORTABLE ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC JOHNNY AID [76] Inventor: Australia Hunter, 1540 E. Ocean Front, Balboa, Calif. 92661 22 Filed: Mar. 8, 1974 21 App1.No.:449,521

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 259,738, June 5,

1972, abandoned.

[58] Field of Search 4/185'R, 185 L, 251; 5/81 R, 86, 90; 297/DIG. 1O

[56] a References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,078,473 2/1963 Daniels 4/185 L [45 Dec. 16, 1975 3,271,791 9/1966 Sarff 4/185 L 3.714.672 2/1973 Condon t 4/185 L 3,815,163 6/1974 Sullivan 4/185 L 3,829,916 8/1974 Tames 4/185 L 3,842,449 10/1974 Geurtsen.... 41185 R 3,869,171 3/1975 Wilson 297/010. 10

Primary E.\ar1iiner John W. Huckert Assistant Eva mjher-Stuart S. Levy bowl. I

ltlClaims, 7 Drawing Figures US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet1of3 3,925,833

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 2 of 3 3,925,833

U.S. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 FIG. 5.

7!! II I/IALI 6 Sheet 3 of 3 PORTABLE ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC JOHNNY AID This is a Continuation-in-Part of my previous application Ser. No. 259,738, filed June 5, 1972, for POR- TABLE ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC JOHNNY AID now abandoned.

This invention relates to invalid transfer devices, and more particularly to a device for assisting an infirm, or incapacitated persononto and off a toilet bowl.

A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved transfer device, including hoisting means, for easing infirm, or incapacitated persons onto and off an ordinary toilet bowl, the device being simple in construction, being easy to operate, and making it possible for an infirm or incapacitated person to use a conventional toilet bowl without undue strain or excessive physical "effort. I I

A further object. of the invention is to provide an improved movable toilet seat device for use by infirm or incapacitated persons to facilitate usage by a person of a conventional toilet bowl without requiring assistance by other persons, the device being relatively easy to install, being reliable in operation, being neat in appearance, and not requiring the use of special harnesses or pulley blocks by the person employing same.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved portable hoist device for use by an infirm or incapacitated person to enable the person to employ a conventional toilet bowl, the device being safe to use, involving a minimum number of moving parts, being sturdy in construction, and employing adequate handhold means for the user, one of said hand-hold means being operatively associated with the control means for the device so that the person using same can readily and reliably control the device when using same.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of an improved portable toilet assistance device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the toilet assistance device of FIG. I, placed in position over a standard toilet bowl and illustrating a disabled person making ready to use it.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view generally similar to FIG. 2, but showing the seat of the device lowered somewhat, and indicating how the person may lean against the seat while it is traveling downwardly from the position of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the seat of the device lowered completely and the person fully seated thereon.

FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially onthe line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical and hydraulic systems of the typical toilet assistance device of FIGS. 1 to 6.

In the prior art there have been no satisfactory means available for hoisting infirm persons onto and off toilet fixtures. Infirm persons have been relegated to an existence requiring dependence on humanaid if they prefer to use a toilet bowl, or else such persons must resort to the use of bedpans, or chamber pots. Special contriv- 2 ances suchbody harness and pulley blocks have been suggested, but these have been shown to be obviously impracticable and are not satisfactory for the purpose contemplated by the present invention.

A specificfeature of the present invention is to furnishzunique freedom of performance to infirm persons who may be capable of locomotion, but are notable to assume a sitting posture from a standing position unaided. It is a prime purpose of the present invention to provide a means-to enable such persons to be gently seated and to be lifted again without requiring human assistance, or other special extraneous apparatus, and without requiring special training, and enabling the total process to be accomplished with assurance and safety. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a hinged ring type toilet seat and hinged cover conjointly, and this assembly is movably mounted on and supported by a framework provided with self-contained hoisting means for the toilet seat. The framework is suitably shaped so as to receive and straddle any conventionally installed toilet fixture, including a toilet bowl, normally found in a modern residence. The framework is provided with self-contained means for moving the seat assembly up or down vertically, yet maintaining the seat parallel to the floor when loaded. In the embodiment of the invention presently to be described, vertical movement is controlled by the rotation of a handle lever, but it is not intended that the controlling means shall be limited to such a specific control means; The handle lever serves a dual purpose in that it also functions as a hand-hold. For the persons opposite hand, a matching hand hold is provided which is similar in shape and size, except that the second hand-hold is not movable relative to the portion of the apparatus on which it is mounted.

Referring to the drawings, 1 generally designates a generally U-shaped base frame disposed with its open end facing rearwardly, and employed as the main bottom support of the typical embodiment of the invention illustrated in the Figures. Rigidly secured on and extending vertically upwardly from the rear portion of each of the opposite side arms of the base 1 is an upright member of generally C-shaped cross section, shown at 2, the generally C-shaped channel members 2 being arranged so that their open portions face inwardly, as is clearly shown in FIG. 1.

The base member 1 is provided at its comers with respective depending, relatively short bosses, or projections 3, defining supporting feet elements for the structure. Clip, oribracket members 4 are secured to the rear ends of the side arms of the U-shaped base frame element 1, said clips 4 being suitably apertured to receive fastening screws or bolts, for anchoring the apparatus to a wall and to hold the unit securely in place. The base frame is provided with a ground wire having a ground clamp 5 which may be connected to a water pipe, or the like, for grounding the apparatus so as to guard against the transmission of electrical shocks to persons using the device.

Slidably engaged on and surrounding the uprights 2 are respective vertically movable sleeve-like side frame members 6 of substantial height which are rigidly connected together and joined at their top ends by a boxlike member 7 which is open at its rear and top and which is provided with a removable cover or closure 8, which may be detachably secured to the box-like structure 7 by suitable fastening means which can be removed to detach the cover 8 to provide access to the interior of the box or housing member 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the vertical sleeve-like members 6 are provided with vertically spaced pairs of rollers 23 which operatively engage within the respective C-shaped uprights 2, said uprights acting as vertical guide tracks to guide the members 6 upwardly and downwardly, as will be presently explained. The roller shafts are secured to the sleeve-like members 6 and are suitably spaced apart so as to maintain the members 6 in vertical positions. Thus, the respective pairs of rollers 23 cooperatewith the C-shaped upstanding channel members 2 to provide sliding connections between the sleeve-like members 6 and said channel members2.

The sleeve-like members 6 are rigidly connected together at their lower intermediate portions by a tie bar 9, and a toilet seat is hingedly connected to the tie bar 9 so that it may be swung to a vertical position from a normally horizontal position, and vice versa. The toilet seat 10 is provided with the conventional hinged cover 11. A generally U-shaped frame 13 is rigidly secured to the sleeve-like members 6 and projects forwardly, with the bight portion of the frame acting as a support forthe front portion of the toilet seat 10 when said toilet seat is in its horizontal position.

A first hand-hold member 14 is rigidly secured to a front corner portion of the supporting frame 13 at one side thereof. A shell-like housing element 12 with a removable cover plate is provided to contain the control elements associated with the device, the housing 12 being located subjacent the side of frame 13 opposite the rigidly secured hand-hold 14, and being rigidly secured between the lower portion of the member 6 and the front corner portion of the frame element 13 at the side opposite the rigidly mounted hand-hold member 14, as shown in FIG. 1. As is further shown in FIG. 5, the housing element 12 merges with the hollow side portion 30 of frame member 13, said frame member being of tubular construction. The housing member 12 has mounted thereon a tiltable hand-hold lever 15 substantially matching the fixed hand-hold member 14.

The tiltable hand-hold member 15 is provided for controlling the up-and-down motion of the vertically movable assembly including the toilet seat 10 and side members 6,6. Thus, the hand-hold member 15 is secured to a shaft which is transversely journaled in the housing 12 and which carries a mercury switch 16 which has an open intermediate position and which is closed responsive to rotation thereof to either side of said intermediate position, as will be apparent from FIG. 7. In the specific embodiment illustrated herein, a mercury switch is employed, but any other suitable type of switch having a rotational control element may be employed.

The shaft of the hand-hold member 15 is similarly provided with a rearwardly extending arm 31 to the end of which is secured one end of a flexible push-pull control cable 17 which extends through the hollow arm 30 into theassociated sleeve-like member 16 and upwardly toward the box member 7. The top end of the control cable 17 is connected to the control lever 18 of a conventional two-position reversing valve 33 mounted in the box member 17 and employed to control the supply of hydraulic fluid admitted to hydraulic cylinders 21,21 mounted respectively in the sleeve-like members 6,6.

The control valve 33 is mounted on one end of a hydraulic reservoir 19 mounted in the box member 7, and also mounted in said box member is a hydraulic pump 20 driven by an electric motor 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the electric motor 34 is energized from=a pair of supply wires 35 and 36 contained in a conventional power cord 24 through a fuse 25 and the mercury switch 16, and through a master switch 26 conveniently mounted on the front wall of the box member 7, the switch 26 being available for operation by an adult, but being located substantially out of the reach of children to prevent unwarranted operation of the device.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pump 20 is provided with the inlet conduit 37 and the outlet conduit 38, conduit 37 leading from the reservoir 19 to the inlet port of the pump and the conduit 38 being connected between the outlet port of the pump and the valve 33 through an adjustable bypass valve 40. A return conduit 41 connects valve 33 to the reservoir 19. A bypass conduit 42 is connected between the adjustable bypass valve 40 and the return conduit 41 through a check valve 43. A conduit 44 connects valve 33 to respective supply conduits 45,45 connected to the top ends of cylinders 21,

and another conduit 46 connects valve 33 to respective conduits 47,47 connected to the bottom ends of the cylinders 21,21. In a normal, non-operating position of valve lever 18, namely, when handle 15 is level, there is no communication between conduit 38 and the cylinders 21 and motor 34 is de-energized. When handle 15 is rotated, for example, to the position shown in FIG. 7, assuming switch 26 to be closed, the motor 34 becomes energized and the valve lever 18 is operated to a position connecting conduit 38 to the top supply conduits 45,45 of the cylinders 21.

As shown in FIG. 5, the top ends of the cylinders 21 are connected at 50 to the top portions of the sleevelike members 6. The cylinders 21 are provided with pistons having depending piston rods 22, the bottom end of each piston rod being connected at 51 to the lower end portion of the adjacent C-shaped upstanding guide track member 2.

With the parts shown in the positions illustrated in FIG. 7 and with main switch 26 closed, hydraulic fluid from pump 20 will be admitted to the top ends of the cylinders 21,21 and the lower ends of the cylinders will be connected through the conduits 47 ,47, 46 and 41 to the reservoir 19. Thus, hydraulic fluid admitted into the top ends of the cylinders 21 will force the piston rods 22 downwardly and cause the sleevelike members 6,6 to be elevated, carrying the toilet seat therewith. Conversely, when the hand-hold member 15 is rotated to the opposite position thereof, namely, counterclockwise from the position thereof shown in FIG. 1 to the position closing the contacts of mercury switch 16, the valve 33 will be placed in a correspondingly opposite position by the action of the flexible cable 17, connecting conduit 38 to the lower portions of the cylinders 21 and connecting the upper portions of the cylinders to the return conduit 41. This causes the cylinders 22 to be lowered relative to their associated piston rods 22 and moves the sleeve-like members 6,6 downwardly, lowering the toilet seat 10 therewith. The adjustable valve 40 allows the hydraulic fluid to be admitted to the cylinders 21,21 at a desired working pressure, the excess fluid returning to the sump reservoir 19 through the bypass conduit 42 and check valve 43.

Under normal conditions, namely, when the device is notbeing used, the hand-hold switch-operating member 15 is in a horizontal position so that the mercury switch 16 is open, the valve 33 is in a neutral position blocking off the cylinders 21,21 with respect to the conduits 38 and 41,.and the main control switch 26is opened. The sleeve-like side frame members 6,6 ...may

, then be in their lowered positions, shown.in FIG. 11,-.

ltwill be understood that the apparatus is installed over a conventional toilet bowl from which theseafiand cover have been removed.This=is.,;diagrammatically illustratedinFIGS. 2, 3 and 4. It willbe also seen that the cantilevered framework comprising the 'U-shapetl forwardly projecting frame member 13 is braced and supported by the hollow strut members below the. U-

shaped member which are connected to the forward corner portions thereof and which are connected at their rear ends to the sleeve-like members 6, one of such members, shown at 12 in FIG. 5, being formed individual while using the apparatus, other equivalent means may be employed to support the user, norisvit necessary that the toilet bowl have its seat removed.

In the typical embodiment illustrated herein, the device straddles the toilet bowl, said toilet bowl being received between the side arms of the U-shaped bottom frame element 1. When a person wishes to use the device, he first closes the switch 26 and operates the hand-hold member 15 in a direction to raise the toilet seat to a comfortable height, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. In doing this, the switch-operating hand-hold member, is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 7, from its normal neutral position, so as to close the mercury switch 16. This energizes motor 34 and drives pump 20, and at the same time operates the valve 33 to the position shown in FIG. 7 wherein the output conduit 38 of pump is connected to the top ends of the cylinders 21,21 and the lower ends of the cylinders are connected to the sump reservoir 19. This raises the sleeve-like side arm members 6,6 in the manner abovedescribed. When the toilet seat 10 has been lifted to a comfortable height, to the height thereof shown in FIG. 2, the member 15 is returned to neutral position, stopping the pump 20 and returning valve 33 to its closed position. The operator then rests against the edge of the toilet seat, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and actuates the switch-controlling member 15 in a direction to start movement of toilet seat 10 downwardly, namely, counterclockwise from its normal .position, as viewed in FIG. 7, namely, to a position opposite to that shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the operator is in a forwardly facing position with his right hand grasping the switch-controlling hand-hold member 15 while his left hand grasps the opposite hand-hold member 14. As the seat descends, the operator, now securely braced by gripping the hand-hold members and by his posture, moves backwardly simultaneously with continued descent to thereby gain progressive access to the seat. Alternatively, the user may stop the downward travel at any point of descent, to gain seating access, and thereafter continue descent, gaining further access at progressive arrested levels. This procedure is illustrated in FIG. 3. When full descent has been accomplished, the member 15 is tilted to its neutral position, stopping the pump 20 and returning valve 33 to its closed position. In the final lowered position, the uprights 2,2 are fully enclosed in the sleeve-like side frame member 6,6.

The user. leaves the seat by. following a reverse procedure. Thus, the control handle 15 is tilted in a direction to elevate the seat, namely, to the position shown in FIG. 7, wherein pump 20 is energized and the output conduit 38 of the pump is connected to the top fluid supply conduits 45,45 of cylinders 21,21, and the lower conduits 47,47 to the return conduit 41. This action extends the cylinders 21,21 upwardly, raising the toilet seat/assembly and lifting the person seated thereon. Again, the hoisting progress (upward travel) may be halted at any desired point while the occupant slides forwardly, on the seat to regain a standing posture. Alternatively, the occupant may slide forwardly off the seat simultaneously with uninterrupted ascent. The unit may then be left in its raised position, ready for the next usage, and the main control switch 26 may be turned off to protect the unit against tampering.

Although the specific embodiment described herein employs" a toilet seat in combination with hoisting means, other forms of seating arrangement different from toilet'seats are contemplated herein, since it is conceivable that seating arrangements may be designed which fiinction in the same manner as toilet seats, yet bear no exactrese mblance to the standard ring-like toilet seat and cover illustrated in the drawingss accompanying the present'description.

From the above description, it will be seen that the apparatus above-described provides the capability of hoisting a person safely down' and safely up at the discretion of said personwithout requiring the assistance of other individuals, the only effort involved being to operate the control handle 15 in the proper manner. Also, it will be seen that it is not necessary for the user to wear any special garment, or harness. Furthermore, while the specific embodiment disclosed herein employs hydraulic components, using oil as a transmission medium, other hoisting means, such as ratchet or friction jacks, Windlass means, screw shafts, sprockets, chains, block and tackle, winch and cable, rack and pinion, pneumatic devices or any other hydraulic media may be employed either individually, or in combination for accomplishing the desired movement of the parts of the device within the contemplation of the present invention.

While a specific embodiment of an improved transfer device to assist an infirrned person in using a toilet bowl has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that various modifications within the spirit of the invention may. occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitations be placed on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appended claims. i

What is claimed is:

l. A transfer device to assist an infirm person in using a toilet bowl, comprising frame means arranged to be positioned over a toilet bowl, said frame means including a U-shaped horizontal base member with the opening in the U-shaped base member being in the rear thereof for receiving a toilet bowl, a toilet seat means, said U-shaped base member having upstanding vertical support elements on opposite side portions of said U- shaped base member adjacent the opening therein, respective movable side frame members slidably interengaged with said support elements, means to secure the toilet seat means to said side frame members, means to constrain said side frame members to upward and downward vertical movement relative to said base member, whereby said toilet seat means is constrained to upward and downward movement in a straight line relative to said base member, reciprocating drive means on said frame means, means connecting said drive means to said toilet seat means and being arranged to move the toilet seat means vertically responsive to energization of said drive means, and means to selectively energize said drive means for upward and downward movement of the toilet seat means, whereby to assist an infirm person using the device to assume a standing position from a sitting position, and vice versa, without forward or rearward movement while maintaining the toilet seat means horizontal and enabling the person to maintain supportive contact with the forward edge of the toilet seat means.

2. The transfer device of claim 2, and wherein said reciprocating drive means includes fluid pressure cylinder means comprising a cylinder having a piston provided with a piston rod, and means connecting said cyinder and piston rod between a side frame member and said base member.

3. The transfer device of claim 1, and wherein said reciprocating drive means comprises respective fluid cylinders connected to the side frame members, said cylinders having pistons provided with downwardly extending piston rods, and means connecting the piston rods to said base member.

4. The transfer device of claim 3, and wherein said vertical support elements comprise channel bars of substantially C-shaped cross section and said side frame members are each provided with guide rollers retentively engaged in said channel bars.

5. The transfer device of claim 1, wherein said side frame members comprise sleeve-like members and wherein the means to secure toilet seat means to said side frame members comprises cross bar means rigidly connected between the sleeve-like members, and

8 means to connect the toilet seat means to said cross bar means.

6. The transfer device of claim 5, and a fowardly extending U-shaped support member rigidly connected to said crossbar means and having its bight portion located to supportingly underlie the forward portion of the toilet seat means. a

7. The transfer device of claim 5, and wherein said reciprocating drive means comprises respective fluid cylinders mounted in the sleeve-like side frame members, said cylinders having pistons provided with downwardly extending piston rods, and means connecting said piston rods to the base member, and wherein said means to selectively energize the drive means comprises a fluid pump means mounted on the frame means, and control means to selectively connect the output of the pump means to the lower and upper portions of the cylinders.

8. The transfer device of claim 7, and wherein said control means comprises a handle member pivoted on a side portion of said U-shaped support member, reversing valve means, conduit means connecting said pump means to said lower and upper portions of the cylinders through said reversing valve means, said valve means having an operating lever, and means connecting said handle member to said operating lever.

9. The transfer device of claim 8, and wherein said pump means is provided with an electric driving motor, said motor having an energizing circuit including control switch means, and means operating said switch means responsive to pivotal movement of said handle member.

10. The transfer device of claim 8, and a fixed handle on the opposite side portion of the U-shaped support member.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO.

DATED December 16, 1975 (X) Australia Hunter It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;

Col. 7, linel5, delete "claim 2" and inert --claim l-- Col. 8, line 8, delete "claim 5 and insert --claim 6-- sixteenth D a y or March I 9 76 [SEAL] Attest:

RUTH C. MASON Arresting Officer C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner oflalents and Trademarks 

1. A transfer device to assist an infirm person in using a toilet bowl, comprising frame means arranged to be positioned over a toilet bowl, said frame means including a U-shaped horizontal base member with the opening in the U-shaped base member being in the rear thereof for receiving a toilet bowl, a toilet seat means, said U-shaped base member having upstanding vertical support elements on opposite side portions of said Ushaped base member adjacent the opening therein, respective movable side frame members slidably interengaged with said support elements, means to secure the toilet seat means to said side frame members, means to constrain said side frame members to upward and downward vertical movement relative to said base member, whereby said toilet seat means is constrained to upward and downward movement in a straight line relative to said base member, reciprocating drive means on said frame means, means connecting said drive means to said toilet seat means and being arranged to move the toilet seat means vertically responsive to energization of said drive means, and means to selectively energize said drive means for upward and downward movement of the toilet seat means, whereby to assist an infirm person using the device to assume a standing position from a sitting position, and vice versa, without forward or rearward movement while maintaining the toilet seat means horizontal and enabling the person to maintain supportive contact with the forward edge of the toilet seat means.
 2. The transfer device of claim 2, and wherein said reciprocating drive means includes fluid pressure cylinder means comprising a cylinder having a piston provided with a piston rod, and means connecting said cyinder and piston rod between a side frame member and said base member.
 3. The transfer device of claim 1, and wherein said reciprocating drive means comprises respective fluid cylinders connected to the side frame members, said cylinders having pistons provided with downwardly extending piston rods, and means connecting the piston rods to said base member.
 4. The transfer device of claim 3, and wherein said vertical support elements comprise channel bars of substantially C-shaped cross section and said side frame members are each provided with guide rollers retentively engaged in said channel bars.
 5. The transfer device of claim 1, wherein said side frame members comprise sleeve-like members and wherein the means to secure toilet seat means to said side frame members comprises cross bar means rigidly connected between the sleeve-like members, and means to connect the toilet seat means to said cross bar means.
 6. The transfer device of claim 5, and a fowardly extending U-shaped support member rigidly connected to said crossbar means and having its bight portion located to supportingly underlie the forward portion of the toilet seat means.
 7. The transfer device of claim 5, and wherein said reciprocating drive means comprises respective fluid cylinders mounted in the sleeve-like side frame members, said cylinders having pistons provided with downwardly extending piston rods, and means connecting said piston rods to the base member, and wherein said means to selectively energize the drive means comprises a fluid pump means mounted on the frame means, and control means to selectively connect the output of the pump means to the lower and upper portions of the cylinders.
 8. The transfer device of claim 7, and wherein said control means comprises a handle member pivoted on a side portion of said U-shaped support member, reversing valve means, conduit means connecting said pump means to said lower and upper portions of the cylinders through said reversing valve means, said valve means having an operating lever, and means connecting said handle member to said operating lever.
 9. The transfer device of claim 8, and wherein said pump means is provided with an electric driving motor, said motor having an energizing circuit including control switch means, and means operating said switch means responsive to pivotal movement of said handle member.
 10. The transfer device of claim 8, and a fixed handle on the opposite side portion of the U-shaped support member. 